Minsk cultural hub becomes haven from authorities

MINSK, Aug 21 (Reuters) - In the shadow of disused Soviet-era factories in Minsk, a street lined with eclectic bars, art galleries and yoga studios has become a haven from the vigilant eyes of the Belarussian authorities.

"This place is like an island," said Yegor, 21, who works at popular bar Hooligan. "It's the street of freedom."

The government of President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for the past 23 years and has boasted that he is "the last and only dictator in Europe" ,has little tolerance for any opposition. A powerful police force and feared state security keep citizens in check.

But police patrols are rare in Oktyabrskaya, partly due to its location on an out-of-the-way peninsula in a bend of the river Svislach.

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Oktyabrskaya -- a Minsk cultural hub and haven from authorities

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Oktyabrskaya -- a Minsk cultural hub and haven from authorities

People are seen during evening at Oktyabrskaya street in Minsk, Belarus, August 11, 2017. Picture taken August 11, 2017. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko

People are seen during evening in a courtyard near a cafe at Oktyabrskaya street in Minsk, Belarus, August 11, 2017. Picture taken August 11, 2017. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko

People are seen during evening in a courtyard near a cafe at Oktyabrskaya street in Minsk, Belarus, August 11, 2017. Picture taken August 11, 2017. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko

People rest at a cafe at Oktyabrskaya street in Minsk, Belarus, August 11, 2017. Picture taken August 11, 2017. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko

People rest in a courtyard near a cafe at Oktyabrskaya street in Minsk, Belarus, August 9, 2017. Picture taken August 9, 2017. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko